FWIW, having driven both a PT and an HHR, to me the HHR felt bigger. I've never actually compared the dimensions, but at least it felt that way.

 

I know a couple people that drive them, and they both got them because the dealers pretty much give them away

 

I think the PT and HHR are closer to their original vehicles than they are each other. But they share similarities just as the original Chevy wagons and Suburbans and the Chrysler/Dodge Power wagons and Woodies did.

 

Here's some data
-----Chrysler PT Touring-- HHR SS-- Mazdaspeed3 GT
price----$24,260---$24,815---$24,455
hwy-----24mpg----29mpg-----26mpg
city-----18mpg----21mpg-----18mpg
eng-----2.4L T----2L T-------2.3L T
pwr-----180hp----260hp------263hp
tq-------210tq----260tq------280tq
Trans----4auto----5man------6man
weight---3222-----3280------3153
Fr Head--39.2-----39.6-------39.1
Fr Leg---40.6-----40.6-------41.1
Rr Head--39.5-----39.0-------38.4
Rr Leg---40.9-----39.5-------38.4
Length--168.9"----176.5"-----176.8"
Wheel---103"-----103.5"-----103.9"
Width---67.1"-----69.1"------69.5"
Height---63"------62.5"------57.7"
Trunk---21.6ft----25.2ft-----16.5ft
Cargo---63ft------63ft-------43ft

Quite similar. But yes, the HHR feels a lot roomier inside.

 

why compare the performance models? are those the majority sold? i'd venture to guess that the vast majority of HHRs sold are not SS models.

 

that doesn't change the dimensions.

 

HHR is styled after a 1949 Chevy Suburban. Styling isn't a rip off, but the idea for that type of vehicle are the same as is the designer of the HHR and PT

 

I am surprised Mercedes did not sue Lexus when Lexus put out their first few batches of cars. Only the badges were different.

 

Wasn't Fiero/MR2 one of the first GM/Toyota collaborations? Similar to Matrix/Vibe.

 

impossible.

 

wikipedia doesn't mention anything about a Toyota-GM alliance on this vehicle. The original car used parts from the Citation and Chevette bin.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontiac_Fiero

 

Dealers also gave away Azteks, but they never sold.... Ditto the Sebrings from Chrysler.

I also know quite a few people who drive PTs.

Although some people will never, ever, ever, never believe it in 10, 20, a million years, they bought them because they like them.... and the styling.

Check out a PT Cruiser gathering or a PT Website..... they're a pretty passionate bunch.

 

No, the MR2 was not a GM related project. The suspension work done by Roger Becker of Lotus for Toyota. Lotus was working on a project in the same timeframe (either the M90 or M100 if memory serves) that used many of the same parts that the first generation MR2 used. For this reason it is rebated whether or not the car was Lotus designed and Toyota built or Toyota designed with heavy Lotus involvement.

At the time of the MR2's creation, Toyota and the Chapman family were both major holders of Lotus. GM later became a major holder in Lotus, and eventually that relationship spawned the LT5 and the Ecotec.

 

Nothing new here, the early Mazda 626 was an almost exact copy of the BMW325.

 

That may be true but the one thing that Hyundai doesn't copy is they have the best warranty for any manufacturer out there (5 year/60k bumper 2b bumper, 10 year/100k engine-drive train-transmission, 5 year roadside assistance - unlimited mileage).

Not to mention the Hyundai Assurance Program which they now will pay the first three months of your car payment if you lose your job or they will buy the car back in the event you lose your job.

Pretty good incentives especially in this economy.